diu3 laap6 aap2吊臘鴨吊腊鸭
Jyutpingdiu3 laap6 aap2
Yalediu laahp áap
Definition
To hang oneself.
colloquialbodyslang
How it's used
This expression is a vivid piece of Cantonese slang that describes the rhythmic, bobbing motion of someone's head when they are struggling to stay awake while sitting upright. It draws a humorous comparison to the way preserved ducks are hung up in traditional shops to dry. It is strictly used for nodding off in a seated position, rather than falling into a deep sleep.
Examples
He is always nodding off, it looks so boring.
Did you not sleep last night? Why are you nodding off like that?
Related words
Common phrases
nodding off repeatedly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of hanging something or the act of suicide, as the term is exclusively used to describe the involuntary head-bobbing of a sleepy person.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.



